OPERATIONS

The operation of TID conveyance works is managed by our dedicated ditchriders and overseen by our district superintendent. See Our People for contact information. Ditchriders in TID operate on a flexible schedule to accommodate the ebb and flow of water demand and the varying conditions that affect our operations. We count on our ditchriders to keep water flowing after a wind event pulls up a crop of submersed weeds from our reservoirs, to manage excess water during a rain event or power outage and to keep track of who's taking water and how much. During the off-season they are replacing valves, servicing equipment, or working in our concrete or welding fabrication facilities. Although TID is working to provide the best possible water quality, we cannot guarantee the quality of water delivered. From time to time aquatic weeds, algae and other debris can be suspended in the water and can accumulate on turnout structures and trash racks or be carried with the delivered water. TID will clear debris from trash racks and structures that convey water to our own canals and pipelines. It is the responsibility of the water user to clear their individual turnout and to screen, filter or otherwise treat as required. If you are considering installation of a screening structure within TID works, approval is required through the district superintendent. Should you wish to discuss your options, please talk to your ditchrider and then consult our district engineer. You may also wish to review your situation with your preferred irrigation supply company as they may have products that suit your application. TID is working to improve water quality. To learn more, see Planning.

Our Quality Product

We value delivering a reliable supply of clean water in a timely manner.

Our Efficient Operation

We value fiscal responsibility, sustainability and maximizing efficiency and productivity in our operations with a hands-on, straightforward, no-nonsense management approach.

Our Distribution System

Ordering Water

A conveyance agreement MUST be in place before taking water. Water orders ON or OFF are to be made directly with your ditchrider at least 24 hours in advance. Talk to your ditchrider to work out the preferred method of communication (talk or text) for water orders. Each day water is used without ordering will be assessed as two days of water use. The annual water allocation is set each spring by the TID board, based on upstream reservoir storage and snowpack.

Irrigation Water Users - The TID board recently approved a change to our bylaw that addresses delivery of water for irrigation purposes that reflect the best practices identified by our ditchriders. The minimum order for a stream of water is 24 hours, but may be rotated between multiple parcels on the same lateral. If you have more than 2 pivots served from the same TID canal or pipeline, try to plan so you can rotate your streams instead of turning water on and off. Adjustments at gates take several hours to a day to come through and rotation minimizes our operational spill. Ditchriders will track the cumulative water use for all parcels managed by the same irrigator on a lateral. This allows easier transfer of water allocation between your parcels, working closely with the TID staff who actually know what you're running. Note that exceeding your allocation will result in a surcharge of $70/acre-inch, so make sure to stay within your allocation, or arrange for transfer from another TID parcel (sorry, no transfers from other districts/licenses). Where possible, your ditchrider will also try to rotate the stream (but not the allocation), to other water users, so try to work with your ditchrider to accommodate timing. Note that unrecoverable unused streams will be assessed against your annual allocation.

Household and Rural Water Users - Although flows are much less than for irrigated water users, cumulative use can present issues. Ordering water, especially the first of the season is very important. Depending on the situation, alternate arrangements may be made with your ditchrider.

Industrial / Private Licencees - Report water use to the office as per your conveyance agreement.

Addressing Questions and Concerns

If you have questions or concerns about your water delivery please discuss this first with your ditchrider as he is best able to deal with individual issues. Your ditchrider is also able to help you in obtaining sevices from other TID departments such as maintenance, engineering and administration as required. We are endeavouring to integrate our departments more effectively and the first question other staff will normally ask if you approach them with a question is: "Have you talked to your ditchrider?". Our ditchriders know our systems and our water users and play a critical role in improving the services we provide to you.

Water Quality & Debris

Although TID is working to provide the best possible water quality, we cannot guarantee the quality of water delivered. From time to time aquatic weeds, algae and other debris can be suspended in the water and can accumulate on turnout structures and trash racks or be carried with the delivered water. TID will clear debris from trash racks and structures that convey water to our own canals and pipelines. It is the responsibility of the water user to clear their individual turnout and to screen, filter or otherwise treat as required. If you are considering installation of a screening structure within TID works, approval is required through the district superintendent. Should you wish to discuss your options, please talk to your ditchrider and then consult our district engineer. You may also wish to review your situation with your preferred irrigation supply company as they may have products that suit your application. TID is working to improve water quality. To learn more, see Planning.

Turnout and Pipeline Responsibilities

TID will ensure the ordered stream of water is available at the designated TID point of delivery. It is the responsibility of the water user to control the water from the TID turnout location to their land. The ditchrider will not turn your water delivery on or off.

For domestic and rural water users, ensure you understand where the TID turnout is located and where the private line starts. TID is not responsible for the operation or maintenance of private pipelines or structures. This is of particular concern within the Village of Barnwell, in Johnson's Addition and in other areas with multiple user private pipelines. In the event of a leak on a private line, report this to your ditchrider if you need TID to shut off our turnout until you are able to have it repaired. Keep in mind this will also shut off water to your neighbours. It is advised that multiple user private pipelines consider forming a water co-operative to manage these systems.